Ganglion Cyst

What is Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that occurs near a joint or tendon. The cyst grows out of a joint or the lining of a tendon.

Ganglion cysts most often develop in the hand or wrist, but they can also develop in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

Ganglion cysts are cystic lesions that arise at multiple locations in the musculoskeletal system, including the wrist. The most common site in the wrist (and in the musculoskeletal system in general) is on its dorsal surface, in particular, on the dorsal surface of the scapholunate ligament.

Ganglion cysts are ball-shaped or egg-shaped. Their size can range from the size of a pea to larger than a grape. Increased activity may cause the cyst to get bigger because more fluid starts to build up.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it may be related to:

• Inflammation or irritation around the joint.
• An injury.
• Repetitive movements or overuse.
• Arthritis.

What increases the risk of Ganglion Cyst?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You are a woman.
• You are 15–40 years old.

What are the symptoms of Ganglion Cyst?

The main symptom of this condition is a lump. It most often appears on the hand or wrist. In many cases, there are no other symptoms, but a cyst can sometimes cause:

• Tingling.
• Pain.
• Numbness.
• Muscle weakness.
• Weak grip.
• Less range of motion in a joint.

How is Ganglion Cyst diagnosed?

Ganglion cysts are usually diagnosed based on a physical exam. Your health care provider will feel the lump and may shine a light next to it. If it is a ganglion cyst, the light will likely shine through it.

Your health care provider may order an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out other conditions.

Ganglion cysts are seen on MRI as homogeneous lesions with low signal intensity fluid on T1-weighted images and very high signal intensity fluid on T2-weighted images.

In rare cases in which there is a heterogeneous appearance, it may be necessary to give intravenous contrast material to demonstrate the lack of enhancement, thereby confirming the cystic nature of these lesions.

How is Ganglion Cyst treated?

Ganglion cysts often go away on their own without treatment. If you have pain or other symptoms, treatment may be needed. Treatment is also needed if the ganglion cyst limits your movement or if it gets infected. Treatment may include:

• Wearing a brace or splint on your wrist or finger.
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicine.
• Having fluid drained from the lump with a needle (aspiration).
• Getting a steroid injected into the joint.
• Having surgery to remove the ganglion cyst.
• Placing a pad on your shoe or wearing shoes that will not rub against the cyst if it is on your foot.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Do not press on the ganglion cyst, poke it with a needle, or hit it.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you have a brace or splint:
  • Wear it as told by your health care provider.
  • Remove it as told by your health care provider. Ask if you need to remove it when you take a shower or a bath.
• Watch your ganglion cyst for any changes.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your ganglion cyst becomes larger or more painful.
• You have pus coming from the lump.
• You have weakness or numbness in the affected area.
• You have a fever or chills.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever and have any of these in the cyst area:
  • Increased redness.
  • Red streaks.
  • Swelling.

Summary

• A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that occurs near a joint or tendon.
• Ganglion cysts most often develop in the hand or wrist, but they can also develop in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.
• Ganglion cysts often go away on their own without treatment.